Nilay smiled as he got the hint and shook Daniel’s hand. “Nilay Mehta. I’m her brother.”
Annika moved the bag to her side of the bar, and the aroma of garlic, onions and garam masala wafted by. “My mom sent food from home.” Annika indicated the bag.
“Takes me back.” Daniel raised his eyebrows at her. He turned to Nilay. “What’s the squirrel thing?”
Nilay and Annika stared at him. Annika pursed her lips as Daniel flushed. “What?” He looked from one sibling to the other as if he’d been caught doing something wrong. “You weren’t whispering.”
“Uh-huh.” Annika nodded at him, though she knew she was just as guilty of listening to his conversations.
He leaned toward her, and Annika’s stomach did a flip at the intimate tease in his voice. “I know you listen when I talk to Emma.”
She froze.Busted.
Daniel grinned and sat back from her, triumph all over his face.
Nilay narrowed his eyes at his sister. “What’s going on here?”
“Nothing.” Annika was quick to answer but did not look at Daniel. “Nothing at all. Why don’t you explain the squirrel thing to Daniel, and I’ll go get you both some food.”
“Ooh! Did Mrs. P. make that soup?” Nilay called as she walked to the kitchen. She heard him start the explanation, just as she entered the kitchen.
The soup was hot and fresh, and Nilay dived into it as soon as she placed it in front of him.
Daniel thanked her, letting his gaze rest on her a moment longer than necessary, making her wonder if their earlier conversation was still on his mind. She turned away from him and watched her brother eat as if he hadn’t eaten in days, throwing her a cursory “Thanks, Didi.”
“Little brothers.” Annika mumbled under her breath as she rolled her eyes at Nilay again.
“Guess I’ll have to remember to be nicer to my older sister.” Daniel smiled all the way out to both dimples, and Annika found her knees were suddenly made of jelly.
She filed away the knowledge that Daniel’s sister was older. “See that you do,” she somehow managed, before leaving to tend to other customers.
Nilay and Daniel continued to chat amiably about driving and food, while enjoying their snack. Watching them gave her a warm feeling in her chest that she had long since forgotten. She forgot that she was trying to not like Daniel and was lost in that stolen moment of happiness when the door jingled and a familiar blond head reared in.
The blood drained from her head. He looked the same. No less than five women of varying ages turned to watch him walk in, expensive suit fitting like a glove, lopsided grin plastered to his face. He was aware of every eye.
Steven.
When they were together, he had never come down to the bar to see her or even have a meal, but now here he was. Walking like he owned the room, soaking up every last bit of female attention.
He was with a few of his colleagues from work. Before she could move toward the door to make him leave, he and his friends entered and sat down at Bobby’s end of the bar. She froze. Her sudden stop caught Nilay’s eye, and it took him only a moment to follow her gaze and absorb what was happening. Before she could say anything, Nilay bolted up and out of his stool toward them. Annika recovered control over her body and followed him, trying to stop what she knew would not end well for anyone. In her periphery, she caught a surprised Daniel turning and walking toward Nilay.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Nilay demanded.
Nilay had seen through Steven the first time they’d met. Annika had blown off her brother’s concerns as childish, but she wouldn’t ever make that mistake again. She came around and stood in front of her brother to face Steven.
“Leave, Steven.” Annika gritted her teeth in an attempt to not empty her stomach right there and then. How she was not screaming at the top of her lungs, she had no idea.
Steven was completely stunned, clearly having no idea what bar he had walked into. But in true Steven style, he quickly assessed the situation and recovered.
“Hey, kid.” He swept his gaze past Annika to Nilay.
“Don’t youhey, kidme.”
Annika felt Nilay try to push past her. She held her ground. “Just leave, Steven.”
Steven nodded, blue eyes finally resting on Annika. “How have you been?”
Annika paused, seeing something there she hadn’t expected to see.
